Crime Thriller- 'Il ya un probleme'

Evaluation
For my final coursework task I worked in a group, with three other students, to produce the opening scenes of film from the crime thriller genre. Initially I decided to complete a video project as I have had experience of it at GCSE level. Obviously this achievement and enjoyment prompted me to develop such skills further. Whereas the genre choice originates from a familiarity with the conventions, which we felt would aid us in creating our own. Considering our target audience, our planning made us aware that the genre required a certain level of violence and so a BBFC age certificate of 15 would be put in place. However we felt that the practical issue of gaining a large enough audience for maximum profit meant that we should extend the audience to an average age of 35. Developing this further, the company representing the film could be Warner Bros as such a crime thriller has broad audience appeal, which reflects the internationally known brand. This distributor may also reassure quality to the market, alongside effectively promoting the title for mass consumption. In acknowledgment to this we ensured that certain aspects encouraged this specific target audience. To create the tension of awaiting violence we have included a single graphic scene during the opening, yet would only present the threat of violence throughout the rest of the film to create the desired effect without having to raise the age certificate. Additionally the realistic and urban themes would make an immediate impact on the audience because of the possibility that these modern issues could affect them. For example the average locations and simple background of the hero could create empathy from the audience, which in turn would emphasise the shock and tension as events unfold. Plus we have included non-diegetic music, which involves electronic and synths, adding a modern and futuristic edge to the classic genre.

Genre Conventions
From close analysis of existing films in the crime thriller genre we have been able to understand which conventions are key to their classification. Firstly, the plot of these films, alongside the relationships between characters, is key in their identification. Our film complies with the crime element through providing a quest for revenge amongst two parties separate from authoritative involvement from the police, for example. Also, the hero character is an essential contrast with the mafia villains as the audience can sympathise and become involved, provoking them to support the character. In addition, the thriller aspect of conventions is shown by the twist of the ‘victim’ eventually being found to be a villain. Such an unexpected twist creates the shock required psychologically.

Furthermore, the representation of characters through camera work and aspects of mise-en-scene are recognised as essential. Beginning with the victim, the suggestion of being civilian is expressed through the stereotypically ordinary costume, including jeans. On the other hand, mafia members are all in black and white formal clothes to show that they are linked as well as holding power. This elaborates on the idea of a subversive organised group intimidating a sole individual. Although even within this group status is established. After all, the mafia boss is shown to be mysterious and important simply through wearing sunglasses, and it is this hierarchy that adds to the genre suitability. In the female’s performance, she has the status to deliver orders, breaking an expected stereotype of weakness.

Additionally, the props used abide to the conventional themes of the genre. For example, the presence of guns creates a tone of illegal and dark issues.

Considering conventions of camera work, an initial pan of the large building establishes the location whilst representing the grandness of the situation and events. Also, when combined with performance, the close-up shots express characters emotions to the audience vividly, subtly allowing them more information whilst building a profile. For example, the manner in which the mafia boss removes her sunglasses and calmly says “Kill her”, shows that she is comfortable committing such evil and has no fear of the ‘victim’ overpowering her. Similarly, close-ups of the victim express their fear in the expected way regarding the difference in the characters’ roles and status. In relation to this, high-angled shots of the victim show vulnerability as it decreases the size and power of the person. Other expected techniques regarding quality include over the shoulder shots during conversation to clearly express to the audience who is talking to which character.

Continuing, parts of editing are also essential to the genre grouping of crime thrillers. For example, events that happened in the past are shown in black and white to clarify the order of events. In such a film this provides the opportunity to create a mystery for the audience, as they are only aware of parts of how a situation occurs. Plus the pace is set by the speed of shots, so we purposely had quickly edited footage towards the end of the opening to heighten tension and intrigue from the audience- and this tension is essential in thrillers. For the aforementioned part of the opening we used straight cuts to create cohesive realism, however as the opening titles appeared, we decided on using fades to gradually and calmly combine the scenes with the necessary information. The titles in themselves are also key and so we maintained the expected running order of the cast and creators. Furthermore, we used a colour scheme of black and white on the titles to match the conventions of seriousness and darkness, which also adds continuity to the mafia’s costume.

We followed the conventions of sound as well, including a variety of necessary diegetic sounds. Obviously speech was essential in this, but added sounds such as the gunshot enforce the convention of power and crime, whilst fitting the boundaries of realism. Plus, like many other films of the same genre, we utilised non-diegetic music over the opening scenes that was a slow tempo and quite subtle in order to build the suspense required. Contrasting with this music we decided to record childish singing of a nursery rhyme as this fitted in with the mystery of the plot regarding the mafia leaders child. Hence overall the non-diegetic sound complimented the themes in crime thrillers.

Finally, the locations used were typical of the genre. Firstly the car was black and so hinted formality as well as it being symbolic for the evil of the mafia. Importantly, the large house, contrasting with the victim in an empty room, suggested that the organised crime was on a threateningly large scale, and this would add to the tense thrill the audience would expect.

Challenges to Conventions
Firstly, I feel that the current and unusual issues dealt with in our film would prove a unique selling point as the plot regards an urban, usual area with the theme of child abduction, not ordinarily associated with crime thrillers. Furthermore, we challenge the convention of representation of characters. The mafia boss is shown to be a powerful female authoritative figure with no hint of sensitivity or conscience. This breaks the idea of males leading crime organisations whilst also suggesting that females do not always have to be victims in this context. Additionally, despite traditionally being associated with Italy, the mafia in our film is French. By this being emphasised, as we have titled our film in French, this could very much be a unique selling point as such a break of conventions would create fresh intrigue on the new perspective. Nonetheless, we did adhere to the conventions regarding the male role of a chauffeur, which allows enough realism to be fathomable, whilst uniquely presenting females in a different way.

Overview
As a whole I feel that our piece of film works succinctly with our array of planning and research, ultimately collaborating with the plot. Our audience feedback concurs with this concept, yet we have been able to acknowledge some suggestions for possible improvements. For example, some felt that a certain area of dialogue was less prominent due to the non-diegetic music. Obviously if we were to alter this in future, it could possibly increase the fluency and coherence of the piece, ensuring all information is clearly expressed. On the other hand, much feedback has been positive and complimentary of the subtleties of mise en scene to evoke tension whilst also expressing a relevant amount of information. Plus, an aspect that has drawn much attention is the non-diegetic childlike singing, with some commenting that it is eerie and unnerving. Additionally, the characters have been viewed as easily recognisable, but are more than mere stereotypes and have a depth that creates intrigue.

Moving on, we have utilised new media technologies throughout our coursework. Initially we could search for relevant and helpful films of our specified genre on websites such as Youtube, making opening scenes we were previously unaware of, available. Research was also required for our understanding of the age restrictions on films, which the BBFC website made easily attainable. Whereas the stage of planning was helped by medias such as e-mail, allowing swift conversation between all group members during our private study. Furthermore, the construction of the final product used many parts of new media. For example, our video cameras, external hard drives, and laptops were necessary to record and capture our work. In detail, we used Adobe Premier Pro to edit and construct our piece, before finally burning it to DVD. From this step we utilised the DVD by showing it to our peers in order to gain constructive feedback allowing us to reflect. Overall I feel that I have developed my ability in Adobe PremierPro as I am now more aware of different options regarding effects and transitions such as black and white colouring and fades. Fortunately, I now have the ability to edit different non-diegetic music smoothly together allowing effective cohesion.

Hence, I have employed a wide range of skills throughout the entire process. Primarily it was necessary to have the ability to organise, after all many deadlines were set and had to be met. This was evermore important concerning the number of people in my group. Linking to this, communication too was essential as roles were allocated and the best ideas were picked for our work. Obviously research was then required from numerous sources: books, the Internet, and members of our target audience. This continued through to the storyboarding and directing so that all shots required were gained to the highest quality, preventing any unnecessary consumption of time. Then when it came to filming, camera skills were embraced as well as acting and checking for continuity errors. We then had to successfully capture and edit the filming, referring to our provided plans. Yet importantly, we had to be able to evaluate our work from an unbiased perspective in order for us to produce the highest quality of work we were capable of.

It seems that we have made a great progression from the completion of our preliminary project. I now have the practical knowledge of the necessity of gaining enough shots correctly numerous times so the best can be chosen. Plus, issues of continuity proved to be troublesome as in one shot we found that a character was not in place. However, as once we watched on a large screen we felt that the filming could be of a higher quality, we organised another filming session, which was fruitful. In addition, the new technology of cameras was a problem because we did not have the correct software immediately. Nonetheless we eventually created a piece of work that we feel would be difficult to improve upon, therefore satisfying us.

Firstly, for our preliminary task we planned, filmed, and edited the opening scenes of a film from the thriller genre. This process required our group of four to have the abilities to both collaborate, as well as using our own individual initiative, to achieve work of a high standard. Considering this task, we ensured that is was suitable for an age rating of 15, and that it targeted the audience of 15-30. The actual script for the shots we videoed is as followed:

Victim: (Struggles in chair.)

Monster: (Opens door.)

Victim: (Looks towards the
direction of the door.)

Monster: (Walks towards and towers over victim, before dragging a chair
to the victim and sitting.)

Monster: Are you ready
to talk?

Victim: What do you want from me?

Monster: It was you who did it, wasn’t it?

Victim: Okay! It was me!

Monster: Roar! (Towers over victim and strikes
them.)

Furthermore, additional to the opening scenes created, we considered the pitch for the entire film to express how we have considered the key conventions of the genre, as well as the need to appeal to the target audience:

"This thriller film, aims to successfully capture the audience of teenagers to young adults through a combination of classic conventions, modern plots that are orientated around real life themes, and aspects of intriguing fantasy.
Beginning with the premise, a group of students become clutched in a spiralling world of drugs and dealers, and something wants revenge. The actual plot follows the students’ nightmare as they are consumed by drugs and must pay a colossal debt to an unknown and violent dealer. As the group individually accumulate the money, they meet their comeuppance through sickly killings by a masked being. Yet as the final death is near, a shocking twist appears. It is revealed that the threat from the dealer is a red-herring, and the final ‘friend’ is revealed- their actions driven by their psychotic need for a fix."

I chose to follow the film media, initially because of my interest in more independent areas of the genre that allow more unique directing and production. Relating to the expression of film, we felt that the thriller genre would allow us to apply our knowledge of skills and conventions to create an effective piece. Furthermore, as i and another member of our group achieved a GCSE in Media, we had experience of using the camera correctly, as well as using the editing software Adobe Premiere Pro. Obviously, this past experience makes the most of limited time and means that we had a basis for improvement.

Also, it is important to consider the skills required and how we employed them in the process we went through. Firstly, research was required for our group to understand what conventions should be present. Through this, teamwork and creativity were essential in devising our plot. In order to make it relevant and intriguing to the audience, we decided to base it around drugs, as they are a prominent issue in society. Once I had devised pitch, I created the storyboards with consultation, to clearly determine the shots required, order on timeline, sounds, action and effects.
Plus, we found it essential that we had created storyboards to place shots in an accurate order on the timeline, as the shots were not filmed in the correct order. Additionally, storyboarding allowed us to consider things such as sound, as we had time to gather the song ‘Thriller’ to play during the credits of our work. Plus, we decided that the walking shots should only be diegetic sound, to create a menacing feeling and allow the audience to understand the situation.

Furthermore, planning was necessary for the costume and correct management of limited time. After all, we were required to shoot everything in one session, in order to keep continuity concerning the costume, location, and conditions.
The villain character’s face we decided to cover with black to create an uncomfortable feeling of the unknown for the audience. Also, a large open building was thought to be effective for the video, as the audience could sense the characters isolation and vulnerability, and so be anxious for the impending events.

Camera skills are necessary to create a professional and clear piece of work, meeting expectations of a high standard. Also, the framing of shots affects the audience’s view of the atmosphere, characters, and situation. Therefore using a camera correctly can make viewing more suiting to genre and more entertaining. Furthermore, directing skills were important as conventions of the genre had to be met. For example, we purposely had only mid-shots and close-ups of the villain initially. The reasoning for this was that a sense of intrigue would be created s the audience would not be certain of the character, and so would understand that they were sinister.

Importantly, a panning shot began the action to establish the location. This expressed just how helpless the victim was, but instantly makes the audience eager and nervous about the events- as did the close-up of her tied hands. Furthermore, we felt during the sequence where the villain walked towards the character that we should track the feet, and then have a shot from the characters point of view to really draw the audience into the action. Additionally, we planned both low and high angle shots to show the contrasting status of the victim and villain. A crab shot was utilised to express that the meeting of the two characters was isolated, ensuring recognition that the villain had a dramatic power. An extreme close-up was necessary to show the victim looking towards the villain, as this shows each of the locations in context with one another, showing that they are connected. Also, over the shoulder shots are used during the dialog as an aesthetically pleasing method of showing the direction of the speech, whilst filling the frame effectively whilst the 180-degree rule is followed. Also, to create fast paced action, we have used match on action shots when the peak of the opening scene happens. Finally, concerning camera abilities, we have tried to ensure that the eye-line is correct on all included parts.

Moreover, creativity is needed to generate refreshing ideas concerning story lines and camera usage. After all, the more new ideas present, the more unique the piece of work shall be. Yet with this, leadership skills were necessary to select the most effective ideas, and ensure that all aspects come together for the deadline. Once more, teamwork is vital to produce a coherent and effective piece of film. Without cooperation the work wouldn’t be as strong as instead of many ideas, all the thoughts would come from only one person. Plus, the work load can be shared, and therefore produced to a much higher quality.

Finally, our editing skills were essential as they allowed us to remove pauses and outtakes in a meticulous fashion. Hence, this enabled us to create a seamless piece of work, despite numerous takes and shots not being filmed in the correct order. Also, we wished to firstly have a long-shot of the victim and then simply have a straight cut to a medium-shot of them. However, we did not notice until viewing the video back that it broke the 90 degree rule. Nonetheless, we could make use of the transitions and make one shot fade to the next in order to maintain the shots we wanted, but make the film be correct. Additionally, our ability to add features such as text allowed us to create suitably gothic titles to introduce the film and actors, whilst also expressing the genre to the audience, through the colour scheme and font. Lastly, along with the realism of the diegetic sound included, we were able of adding and fading the non-diegetic song ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson.

Overall, it was of great importance that we considered our target audience greatly when creating this film. From the outset, the film is intended for the age group of 15 to 30. We decided on this age range as they are the most likely to seek entertainment from attending the cinema, and a more likely to seek a thriller- giving us a large audience which would mean high ticket sales. Yet as it is aimed to be rated at 15, it was important to get the correct balance between a serious adult theme that maintains fear, but not to be so gruesome that it exceeds the age rating of 15. Therefore, we have used the classic convention of an unknown and mysterious victim as this works at all levels. Relying on such suspense building techniques and limiting the violence makes the actual attacks emphasised, whilst the theme of drugs is a relevant issue in society that then audience can recognise and be interested in, whilst also finding it sinister.

Despite this very specific recognition of our audience, there were some challenges we had to overcome, they we did not for see when planning the task. For example, the combination of limited time to film and a low camera battery meant that some shots could not be perfected. Although we were able to charge the camera for brief periods, we did not realise how long it would take to charge and the cable would not reach far enough to film at the same time. Yet still, we decided to film through the eye-piece to save from losing the energy used by having the screen open.

Analysing our planning now, i feel that we were very thorough and encountered no problems in creating the opening scene. After all, we did research the genre and its conventions, as well as creating detailed storyboarding. On the other hand, i feel that we should have a closer look at effects and transitions available as it may inspire us when creating our actual piece, as we did just use the effects that we were previously aware of.

To consider how effective our task was i created a survey and got ten people from our target audience to complete it. yet to evaluate on a deeper level, i have analysed the results.

The majority of the people who took part in the survey believed that overall; the opening scenes of the film were excellent. However, as this conclusion is not undisputed it is important to understand how improvements could be made so we can make our actual practical coursework to the highest standard. Firstly, every person asked, agreed that the storyline was in keeping with the thriller genre. Hence, future plots would be effective of they included an unknown and mysterious villain and victims begin ordinary people. This is because the audience can empathise with the character, and feel more fear due to them being able to picture themselves in such a position.

Furthermore, the effectiveness and the accuracy of shots were voted as excellent and, yet the ‘good’ option just gained a majority. Considering these results in context with what we produced, I feel that the shots chosen were popular, yet we could perhaps improve the quality in the future. In further depth, the still shots would have been smoother by using a tripod, and so look more professional. Also, using a tripod would show a clear contrast between the shots that show the villain’s perspective.

Following this, participants were asked whether all of the required conventions were present. Only one person said partly, whilst all of the others said yes. From this I feel it is evident that aspects such as the situations, dialogue, and costume, have been recognised as part of the thriller genre. Yet the reasoning for the one other answering only ‘partly’ is the limitations of only creating the opening scenes. After all, our plot later involves a twist, which is a key convention of the thriller genre.

Plus, it is positive that all who were asked agreed that the editing was smooth. This is essential, as if the editing is inconsistent; the atmosphere of the film is ruined. Additionally, this question approached the idea of relevancy, and results show that all transitions and sounds had reasoning and were not considered unnecessary.

From 70 percent saying that they thought the film was modern, it appears to have been successful. This is because it must appear different and unique from older films for our target audience to feel eager to watch it. However, by the remaining percentage feeling that it was both modern and traditional, it seems that it contained enough of the classic features to boldly be a thriller film.

Continuing, a majority felt that both the diegetic and non-diegetic sound were excellent. I feel that this is partly because of the atmospheric non-diegetic music that presented the credits, as it makes the audience’s anticipation heighten. Also, the diegetic sound included helped form this opinion as aspects such as the footsteps created tension and an air of reality, just as the emotive voices created empathy. Yet I feel that a few people believed that the sound was only ‘good’ because of the subtlety. In the future, I feel that we should make the sound of the footsteps more prominent.

Considering the costume, most people believed it to be good, with one person voting poor, and three voting for the ‘very good’ option. I feel that the average reaction of the costumes was due to the success of the villain’s, yet the mundane of the victim’s. Having a masked face and covered hands added to the frightening nature of the villain. Alternatively, in the future I feel we should make the victim look more scruffy and tortured so show suffering, yet keep everyday clothes so the audience can relate.

Also, a very large majority have stated that the setting adds to the film. This is essential as this is a continuous aspect of the film. Therefore I feel it is an ideal location as it is very much empty as well as large, displaying just how extreme the victim’s helpless situation is.

Overall, I feel that we have been fairly successful, as 80 percent believe they would definitely watch the whole of the film, with 20 percent stating that they possibly would. Therefore it appears that all skills and aspects of the film have been followed to a high standard. Also, this preliminary task has been very beneficial as we have realised that further equipments and slight alterations to the process will allow us to make an excellent piece of work.

Finally, now i have evaluated our preliminary project, i feel eager to begin our actual task. After all, i now am aware of effective aspects that our film includes, and i am am positive because of this. Additionally, i have closely considered all negative feedback, and i am now aware of how to perfect errors such as panning too far. Therefore, both negative and positive feedback has shaped our future project for the better. Hence, i feel proud, but also very much prepared to continue.